Govt trying to resolve Pension Bill issue with Left / Dec 18, 2005 / Hindustan Times

From Indiapensions

Govt trying to resolve Pension Bill issue with Left

Press Trust of India

With the Left maintaining that they would not support the Pension Bill in its present form, the Centre has initiated a dialogue with the red brigade so that a decision could be reached on the issue through discussions.

"We are trying to arrive at a decision in the matter through dialogue. We have been talking with the Left leaders. Talks have already been held with CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat as well with their floor (Parliament) leaders. Efforts are on to resolve the issue," Mukherjee said in Kolkata.

He refused to divulge more details.

The Left parties have opposed any move to privatise the Pension Fund.

Briefing the media on his party's three-day Central Committee meeting Karat had declared on December 16 that the Left would not support the Pension Bill in its current form and asked the government to "rework" the legislation.

"The Bill in its present form is not acceptable. We have told the government not to privatise the Pension Fund and not to abandon its responsibilities towards the working class and the common people. The Bill also does not assure any minimum return," he has said.